The oil and gas industry and the chemistry programs and services, artificial lift solutions, automation, optimization equipment, and drilling technologies that come with it serve an important role in industrialized nations. Oil is the lifeblood of the economy and serves as the most important energy source in modern society.
In America, companies in this sector help provide 80% of energy and contribute $1.6 trillion in federal and state revenue, strengthening their impact in supporting local economies, such as building and maintaining public infrastructure, hospitals, and schools across the United States.
Further, oil and gas companies are responsible for providing jobs to millions of Americans. In 2020, companies in this sector had employed over 12.3 million citizens across the country.
But the oil and gas industry wouldn’t be what it is today if not for the important people who work behind the scenes. Just like how oil is the lifeblood of the American economy, employees are also the lifeblood of oil and gas companies. Without them, the industry would have little to no contribution to industrialized nations. And that is why it’s worth recognizing them.
This article recognizes the four important professionals in the oil and gas industry and shares a glimpse of what they do, how they contribute, and why it’s worth pursuing the position as a career.
Technical Service Representative
Technical service representatives play a crucial role in ensuring that oil and gas companies adopt all systems and technologies. They test, install, implement, and troubleshoot different machines, systems, and operations to ensure optimal performance. Without these professionals, machinery would run riot, and nothing would get done, which is why they are highly valued members of the industry.
A technical service representative typically conducts the following jobs day in and day out:
- Providing in-field technical customer support
- Installation, commissioning, start-up, vibration testing
- Functional performance testing, training, and troubleshooting of pumps and equipment.
- Resolve and provide solutions for pump or system issues
- Investigate and troubleshoot problem and product issues
- Supervise and work with subcontractors
- Communicate with field service managers regularly
- Conduct safety meetings with customers and stakeholders
- Procure formal technical field reports, as well as JSAs and expense reports
Technical service representatives work with a broad range of computer systems and oil and gas machinery. With that, they need to have diverse experience with pumps and OEMs and a sense of mechanical activity. Some employers require their candidates to possess at least 5 years of professional experience in rotating equipment, installation, startup, and troubleshooting.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers work various jobs in company warehouses, particularly those relating to outgoing shipments and supply chains. This is a broad term to cover a set of responsibilities. A warehouse worker may take on other roles, such as a delivery driver, working with the courier, managing basic supply chain logistics, and assisting in purchasing.
A typical day in the job of a warehouse worker would include:
- Creating records of goods for shipment, those shipped, received, and moved
- Assist in pickups, shipping, and receiving
- Read and analyze warehouse documents
- Move items and merchandise
- Conducting cycle counts
- Record quantities in computer systems
- Maintain the warehouse
- Operate warehouse machinery
- Managing and developing inventory and production reports
- Checking inventories for accuracy
- Tracking and identifying goods and merchandise
Warehouse workers may use electronic equipment and handheld devices to complete their day-to-day tasks. However, they also need to work and heights and lift heavy merchandise for shipping, receiving, or moving.
Production Operator
Production operators are key technicians in the oil and gas industry. They work in production operation teams and conduct a variety of tasks to ensure productivity and optimal operations. For example, they may take on operation supports, design surveillance systems, complete modelings, plan field developments, and forecast productions — all to keep daily operations running and ensure efficiency.
- Here’s what the day-to-day tasks of a production operator look like:
- Develop well completion
- Develop production target and avails
- Integrate production system modeling
- Field development planning and optimization
- Well integrity management
- Plan well intervention activities
- Manage facilities
- Plan and monitor surveillance activities
- Perform projects that meet the objectives of production, well design, and control, testing, reservoir flow, and fluid studies
- Evaluate and implement new technologies
- Present proposals to management and operating groups
- Participate in technical reviews
Because of the broad range of responsibilities, production operators need at least 12 years of experience in the industry. They should be able to multitask, prioritize, and be proficient in software applications and technologies.
Operation Specialist
Operation specialists are employed to ensure productive, efficient, and smooth operations. They handle their own accounts and oversee all tasks under their area of supervision. Among their responsibilities include account management, overseeing service technicians, and creating operational plans for the company.
Their daily tasks include:
- Suggesting product, process, and procedure improvements
- Work with a broad range of technicians, operators, and workers
- Procure plans for activities and programs
- Assisting in technical issues
- Standardizing processes
- Targeting clients
In the oil and gas industry, operation specialists should possess a technical degree to carry out the broad range of tasks expected. Most industries require 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, application engineering backgrounds, and sales experience.
The oil and gas industry is booming, and it’s all thanks to the employees that work hard to meet the demands of their professions. So if you are looking to pursue one of these important oil and gas industry jobs, you’re off to a very fulfilling and impactful career ahead.